APRIL 25, Matthew 5:9

Many people talk about finding peace but never experience it, because they ignore their sin. Man can never find peace on his own, because real peace is a result of holiness, righteousness, and purity. A person cannot have real peace until he bears righteous fruit. If two people are fighting, it is because of sin; eliminate the sin and the fight will end. Only then the two will be reconciled. Merely separating the two of them achieves nothing.

Peacemakers make peace by sowing righteousness. You cannot be a peacemaker until the first 4 Beatitudes (which focus on man’s relationship with God) characterise your life. That means you must start with the attitude of a beggar in your approach to God because of your sin (Matthew 5:3). Next, you must mourn over your sinfulness (Matthew 5:4). That will produce meekness toward God in the light of His holiness (Matthew 5:5). As a result, you will hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). But when you become a peacemaker, the world will not accept you. That is why Matt 5:10 says, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” Peacemakers are always trying to bring about righteous solutions to problems.

To be effective as a peacemaker, you must maintain your peace with God. If you are living in disobedience against God’s will, you cannot function as a peacemaker. You cannot commune with God openly when you are in sin, nor can you bring God’s peace to others. A true peacemaker first concentrates on his own peace with God. Remember that peacemaking is first of all God’s work. God makes peace with us, and as his children, we are to imitate Him. Be warned though, if “blessed are the peacemakers”, then cursed are the peace-breakers. If peacemakers are the children of God, then peace-breakers are the children of the Devil.

Thought: Am I a peacemaker or a peace-breaker?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me be an ambassador for Christ and bring together those who are at “war” with each other by telling them the truth in Your holy Word. Forgive me of my sins and help me be more like Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.